Monday, April 14, 2008

Did you ever wonder what the difference is between cilantro and culantro? Do you know when to use curly parsley rather than the Italian flat-leaf variety? Have you sometimes been intrigued by a new and exotic arrival at your greengrocer? Though any of these mysteries have and can be answered in the wealth of Weekend Herb Blogging round-ups (1st, 2nd and 3rd years) collected by Kalyn Denny of Kalyn’s Kitchen, creator of this wildly popular weekly event, sometimes it’s easier to stretch out on the sofa or wander the aisles in your market without the laptop conjoined to you like a twin.

For times like these, Aliza Green’s Field Guide to Herbs and Spices is the perfect companion. Chock full of hundreds of entries, photos and recipes, this palm-sized book is a nifty pleasure to take along on your shopping expeditions, as well as keep handy for quick and sparkling inspirations for your next WHB recipe. My copy is only a few weeks old, but it is already showing the wear and tear of a much beloved stuffed toy. So convinced I am that you would enjoy this petite volume, that as host of this week’s WHB, I will be randomly* selecting one of your names as the winner of a brand new copy for your very own.

Though it is early in the week, I am already collecting some terrific and tantalizing recipes from around the world for inclusion in the round-up to be posted the evening of Monday, April 21, New York time. Please send your entries to thewellseasonedcook AT yahoo DOT com. Hope to see your fine contributions in the mix! Good luck to everyone!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Random drawing will be made after all entries are received. The winning name will be picked from a hat. The winner will be announced in the round-up post. Family and friends are not eligible to win the prize. In the event that the prizewinner does not come forward with his/her address or customs regulations prohibit the importation of the book, I will draw another name as winner. I assume all expenses, including shipping. I am not affiliated with Aliza Green nor Quirk Books.

Thanks, Simona. Thought I would try something a little different for a change.--Ricki – I looked forward to it.--Sra – I know you have your hands full with business. Don’t worry about it.--Thanks, Tigerfish!--Kalyn – It’s a tiny paperback, and one that Amazon nicely discounts.--Hi, Anamika. Thanks! Good to see you. There will definitely be more events that I will host in months to come. Hope you can join in then. --Vaishali – Your gorgeously creative recipes are always welcome here. --Nanditha – I’m glad you are inspired to participate.--Mansi – Get those pots and pans out now. : )--Hi, Ulrike. Good to see you!--Thank you, Deeba. As you now know, the round-up was a great success – thanks to wonderful participants like you.--Sooooo good to hear from you Sandeepa, my dear girl!--Thanks, Laurie. I was very careful to ensure the contest was fairly run. --Rosa – There must be something in the water! LOL!--Thanks, Katie. My PC problems have multiplied since my last note to you. Blogger was particularly a beast when I was trying to write up the round-up. Typing blind without a cursor at ten at night ain’t no fun. ; D--Wiffy – Loved having you join in. Hope to see you again for future events.--Siri – I can still picture that fluffy bowl of couscous and baked veggies!

My Portfolio

My Licensed Photography

I cook and bake in that cute little galley kitchen up there. It's not as tidy as it used to be, and the walls are a deep tagine red now, but it's a cozy, homey space where you are always welcome to drop in. You can reach me at thewellseasonedcook AT yahoo DOT com. I'd be delighted to hear from you.